"Unexpected Isolation" is a captivating jazz album released by Slovakian guitarist David Kollar and Norwegian trumpeter Arve Henriksen on August 22, 2020, under the label Hevhetia. This 18-track album spans 56 minutes and is a testament to the unique musical chemistry between Kollar and Henriksen, who have previously collaborated on projects like "Illusion Of A Separate World" and "Crime On The Bunny."
The album is a reflection of the global pandemic and the unexpected isolation that many experienced in 2020. Tracks like "Covidication," "Keep Distancing," and "In the Time of Plague" directly reference the pandemic, while others like "Lonely Man" and "Without Saying Goodbye" evoke the emotional resonance of the times. The duo's ability to create absorbing and sometimes unnerving soundscapes is evident throughout the album, with menacing waves of sound giving way to compassionate lyrical lines.
Kollar and Henriksen's collaboration is marked by a special rapport, and "Unexpected Isolation" is a product of their decision to express themselves through recorded music after their Prague concert was cancelled in March 2020. The album has been recognized for its excellence, even being named the best jazz album of 2020 at the ESPRIT awards.
Fans of contemporary jazz will appreciate the innovative and thought-provoking music on "Unexpected Isolation," which showcases the talents of two highly skilled musicians navigating the challenges and emotions of the pandemic era.
